Ablative laser resurfacing is a procedure that uses a wand-like laser instrument to remove the upper layers of skin from acne scarring. Following treatment, the ASDS dermatologist will bandage the treatment area. Healing typically takes 10 to 21 days, depending on the size and location of the procedure. Before the procedure, an ASDS dermatologist will usually review the patient's medical history and conduct a physical exam. This is the time for the doctor and patient to discuss expectations, potential risks and outcomes of the procedure. As with any treatment, there are risks associate with it, though they are minimized in the hands of a qualified dermatologic surgeon.
Before and During: What to Expect
Before(left) and after(right) non-ablative fractionated laser treatments for acne scars on the right cheek. Photo courtesy of Tracy M. Research breakthroughs are giving patients with atopic dermatitis/eczema more ways to treat this condition. If you have what feels like razor bumps or acne on the back of your neck or scalp, you may have acne keloidalis nuchae. If you want to diminish a noticeable scar, know these 10 things before having laser treatment.
This is a unique laser technology because of the wavelength it uses, which selectively targets the oil glands (sebaceous glands) in the skin. AviClear is an FDA-approved laser that treats mild to severe acne by targeting the source of the oily substance on your skin without the use of topical or oral acne medications. This laser therapy for pimples improves your acne over the course of three monthly treatments, each of which is about 30 minutes in duration. During your appointment, one of our board-certified dermatologists and experienced providers will cleanse your skin before applying the laser directly to the acne-affected areas. There is no numbing (i.e. Dr. After treatment, patients can expect to see a reduction in acne breakouts as well as an improvement in the overall appearance of their skin. Mild symptoms such as inflammation and redness may occur, but fade over just a few minutes. Your acne may flare for a few days after treatment. You may still continue to use any prescription acne medications simultaneously. Results are not immediate. Final improvement is typically seen 3 to 6 months after the last treatment.
A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating the skin, hair, and nails. The pricing for this acne treatment varies based on the individual needs of the patient. Everyone is excellent at this practice. I have received acne treatment and have been so happy with my results! I tried the new Aviclear laser which has completely changed my skin for the better. Dr. Al-Haseni and his team took the time to listen to me and make sure I was happy with my results. At our Boston office, we offer the latest in acne treatments and can help you find the best solution for your individual skin type and needs.
AviClear and Other Laser Therapies
A laser treatment suitable for mild to severe acne, AviClear focuses on reducing existing acne while minimizing the potential for breakouts. It targets and heats the skin, specifically the sebaceous glands, and it helps to suppress the production of sebum. Excess sebum can cause all kinds of skin complications, especially on the face. It can eventually clog your pores, leading to varying levels of acne. Moreover, bacteria will feed on excess sebum, and this is what causes inflammation in the pores, leading to acne. The AviClear laser also comes with a cooling function to help protect your skin and sebaceous glands. It’s an excellent treatment for any skin type, and the best results come from multiple treatments. Although each person’s skin is different, three monthly treatments have proven to deliver stellar results for most patients. You generally start seeing results a few weeks after the third treatment. Each session only lasts about 30-45 minutes. Of course, results will likely vary for each patient, but there’s no doubt the treatment is more effective than many traditional techniques for managing acne. There’s also a lot of data still being collected on how well AviClear works for different individuals. It takes a little patience for results to shine through, and it’s also important to keep up with your skin care regimen for the results to work as they should. The acne laser treatment doesn’t offer lifelong permanent results. Many medical professionals consider it to be semi-permanent, as results can last for a few years before a follow-up session is needed. To get the most out of your results, it’s imperative that you keep up with a proper skin care routine as recommended by your dermatologist. How long results last will inherently differ between each patient, but many people are satisfied with the longevity of their results. How the treatment is performed will heavily rely on the current condition of your skin and the type of results you’re hoping to achieve. Some people suffer from cystic acne, which can pose more problems than other common types of acne. Many patients and medical professionals alike are pleased to know that AviClear can significantly improve cases of cystic acne. Once again, this will require more than one AviClear treatment before results start to show themselves, but many people can feel relieved knowing they have a viable solution for their cystic acne. When it comes to the cost of AviClear laser treatment, remember that pricing can vary heavily based on your location and doctor. Consider the treatment a financial investment towards significant improvements of acne. If you need clarification on whether the treatment is right for you, contact your dermatologist for recommendations. A consultation will allow them to take a look at your skin and provide you with professional insight on the best course of action regarding AviClear treatments. It should also be noted that AviClear is considered a cosmetic treatment by insurance companies, and insurance more than likely won’t cover the cost of your treatments.
AviClear comes with many positives, one of which is being able to help reduce the formation of acne scars. It won’t be able to eliminate scars that are already present, but it’ll surely help you avoid the formation of new ones. By treating active acne and successfully preventing future breakouts, you encounter less scarring on the surface of your skin. The treatment is known to have a high success rate over many other acne treatment options, especially when it comes to minimizing future breakouts. Acne scars can form in all shapes and sizes, and the first step you want to take is to prevent additional scarring.
Overview of Laser and Light-Based Treatments for Acne
Laser and light-based treatments for acne use light energy to help reduce acne and improve the appearance of the skin. These minimally invasive, in-office procedures may be considered for people with mild, moderate, or severe acne who have not seen improvement with standard treatments such as topical creams, oral antibiotics, or other medications. Laser or light-based treatments may be used along with other treatments or on their own. They may also be considered for people who have experienced or prefer to avoid side effects from taking medications.
Types of laser and light-based therapies include: Photodynamic therapy (PDT), Blue light therapy, Red light therapy, Intense pulsed light (IPL), Photopneumatic therapy, Pulsed dye laser (PDL), 1064 nm laser, 1726 nm laser. These devices target bacteria, sebaceous glands, and inflammation, with sessions typically lasting 15-40 minutes and requiring multiple treatments for best results. Blue light therapy has emerged as one of the most promising, with studies showing significant improvement in lesions over multiple sessions. The choice of treatment depends on acne severity, skin type, and patient goals.
What is laser or light-based treatment for acne? Laser and laser-based treatments are minimally invasive and deliver specific wavelengths of light to treat acne and improve skin appearance. These therapies do not use UVA/UVB light, which is associated with skin cancer risk. The 1726 nm laser specifically targets oil glands, while blue and red light therapies affect bacteria and inflammation. IPL provides broad-spectrum light and can improve skin tone but may carry higher pigmentation risks in darker skin tones. PDT combines a photosensitizer with light to kill acne-causing bacteria. Most patients see improvement after a series of sessions, and results improve weeks after the last session.
Who is a good candidate for laser treatment for acne? Laser or light-based therapy can be used to treat mild to severe acne, especially in people whose acne has not responded well to standard treatments. It is suitable for a wide range of skin types, including darker skin tones. Different laser therapies may be used for various forms of acne, including inflammatory acne and noninflammatory acne. The 1726 nm laser has shown effectiveness across a wide range of skin types.
What medical exams and precautions are necessary? Before recommending laser treatment, a dermatologist reviews medical history, current medications, and prior treatments. Patients should inform providers about photosensitivity and medications that may need adjustment. Doctors explain risks and benefits and discuss aftercare precautions.
What happens during treatment sessions? The procedure is minimally invasive and usually performed in a dermatologist’s office. Skin is cleaned, protective eyewear may be worn, and a cooling system is used to improve comfort. The handheld device delivers controlled pulses of energy to acne-affected areas. Sessions last 15-40 minutes and may occur once or twice weekly or even daily depending on device and goals.
What happens after each session? Treatments are delivered in a series over several weeks. Aftercare includes mild redness or swelling that fades within days, soothing creams, and sun protection. Most patients resume daily activities with minimal downtime.
Risks, Outcomes, and Longevity
What are the risks of laser treatment for acne? Generally safe when performed correctly, with potential temporary discomfort, redness, swelling, and sensitivity. Rare complications include blistering, scarring, or infection. Color changes (hyper- or hypopigmentation) may occur, especially in darker skin tones. Prompt evaluation by a dermatologist is advised for unusual symptoms.
What is the outlook? Many patients see improvement after a series of sessions, with clearer skin and reduced scarring risk. Improvements can last many months, though maintenance sessions or ongoing skincare are often recommended. Results are not typically permanent, and follow-up treatments every few years may be needed to sustain benefits.
What stands out about Yale Medicine’s approach? Advanced Acne Therapeutics at Yale offers comprehensive approaches tailored to individual needs, with experts in medical and aesthetic dermatology providing state-of-the-art, personalized treatments. The field emphasizes multimodal strategies, combining laser therapy with safe skincare to maximize results.
Other considerations include insurance coverage, cost ranges, and the need to maintain sun protection and a proper skincare routine post-treatment. Depending on the device and treatment plan, sessions may range from 200 to 1,500 per session, with complete series potentially costing thousands. Insurance coverage varies, with many laser treatments considered cosmetic in nature despite medical benefits in acne control and scarring reduction.
Comparative Overview: Ablative vs Non-Ablative Lasers
- Ablative lasers remove outer skin layers, promoting resurfacing and deeper scar reduction, but require longer downtime and carry higher irritation risk.
- Non-ablative lasers stimulate collagen without removing the surface, offering shorter recovery but potentially requiring more sessions.
- Choice depends on scar depth, skin type, downtime tolerance, and treatment goals.
For many patients, a multimodal approach, including careful skincare, sun protection, and possibly adjunctive treatments like chemical peels or microneedling, yields the best outcomes. Proper preparation and realistic expectations are essential to successful results.
Practical Guidance for Prospective Patients
Before considering laser therapy, consult a board-certified dermatologist to assess skin type, scar type, and treatment goals. Discuss costs, expected downtime, and maintenance needs. If you’re on isotretinoin or other photosensitizing medications, coordinate with your prescriber before scheduling treatment. Aftercare steps typically include gentle cleansing, strict sun protection, and avoidance of harsh exfoliants until recovery is complete.
Final considerations include financial planning, as many laser treatments are cosmetic and not covered by insurance. Patients may use HSAs or FSAs where permitted. A thorough consultation will determine whether lasers, light-based therapies, or a combination approach best addresses both active acne and scarring.